Castleford chief
praises supporters

CASTLEFORD chief executive Richard Wright has thanked fans for their “fantastic” support at last Friday’s Super League game at Huddersfield Giants which the Tigers lost 42-4.

The Tigers issued a statement last week informing supporters of steps being taken to stamp out inappropriate and abusive chanting at matches and Wright (pictured) was delighted by the response of the fans.

He said: “The supporters were fantastic on Friday and a real credit to the club as was acknowledged by Huddersfield’s safety officer.

“To be as vocal as they were for 80 minutes was a tremendous effort.

“It was great to hear the fans singing without the use of offensive language and I applaud the creativity of the songs.

“Our vocal supporters are such a powerful force and a source of great pride for the club when they get behind the team like they did on Friday.”

Mr Wright explained why the club had issued a statement about clamping down on obscene chanting at matches.

He said: “It is the use of obscene and offensive language that we need to stamp out immediately, the type that portrays a very negative impression of the club.

“We are under serious pressure, and understandably so, from the RFL to stamp out the abusive inappropriate chanting and I’m very concerned that we could find ourselves in serious trouble as a club if we fail to stamp it out.

“We already have a £20,000 suspended fine hanging over our heads from 2010 and I have no doubt another £20,000 to £40,000 will soon follow if the issue was to continue.

“Rugby League is a family game after all which is to be enjoyed by supporters of all ages and backgrounds.

“It was very pleasing that the fans supported the team as they did on Friday, presenting a positive image of the club in the process.”